Amorim Stakes His Claim: Leao Benched, Fofana and Co. Frozen Out at Milan

FolioPitch.com – 27 August 2026 | In a candid pre-match press conference on Thursday, Ruben Amorim provides Leao and explains why Fofana and co aren t in his plans as AC Milan gear up for their first home match of the season against Venezia. The new Rossoneri head coach did not mince words about the club’s ongoing squad overhaul, making it clear that several high-profile players are no longer part of his sporting project.

Amorim, who will make his San Siro debut on Saturday, confirmed that Portuguese winger Rafael Leao will miss the Serie A fixture due to a lack of match fitness. “Leao had one training session with us. He’s still not really fit compared to the others,” Amorim told reporters. “He’s not going to be in the game. I’m going to choose the best ones.” The coach also hinted at a deeper rift, stating that while Leao is an extraordinary talent, “he needs to have the right mindset.”

Amorim’s comments have fueled speculation that the 27-year-old could leave Milan before the transfer window closes. “Sometimes you reach a moment where you need to go to another place, so we are in that moment,” he added. The coach refused to elaborate on individual negotiations, promising that “in the next press conference, you can ask anything about the market, I will explain everything.”

The most striking revelation, however, concerned Youssouf Fofana, Santiago Gimenez, and Fikayo Tomori. All three have been stripped of squad numbers and will not be allowed to train with the first team unless they secure a move before the deadline. Amorim justified this controversial decision by emphasizing the impracticality of managing an oversized squad. “It’s impossible to train during the week with 27 players. Nobody is going to be prepared, nobody is going to be satisfied,” he explained. “So there are some players that if they stay, they will not be part of the squad.”

Amorim was quick to clarify that this is not a reflection of their abilities. “They’re very good players and they’re very good people,” he said, adding that the club will still provide them with all necessary facilities to fulfill their duties. However, the message is unambiguous: the trio must find new clubs before the window shuts, or face a season of training in isolation from the first-team setup.

The timing of Amorim’s statement is significant. With just five days remaining in the summer transfer window, Milan are under pressure to offload the unwanted players and potentially reinvest in new signings. Amorim’s rigid stance suggests he is willing to make tough decisions to maintain discipline and harmony within his squad.

While the focus remains on the Venezia match, Amorim’s press conference dominated headlines across Italy. The phrase “Amorim provides Leao and explains why Fofana and co aren t in his plans” has become a talking point among fans and pundits alike. It underscores a broader strategic shift at Milan, where the new coach is already putting his stamp on the squad.

Amorim also praised Venezia, despite their recent promotion. “They won almost every game in Serie B, so I’m so concerned about this game, our first in San Siro,” he admitted. This indicates that the coach is not taking anything for granted, even as the transfer saga unfolds behind the scenes.

The exclusion of Fofana, Gimenez, and Tomori raises questions about Milan’s summer recruitment. Fofana arrived only last year, while Tomori has been a stalwart in defence. Gimenez was brought in during the January window. Their swift fall from grace suggests that Amorim has his own preferred system and believes these players are not suited to it.

Amorim’s approach is reminiscent of other top coaches who have used squad selection as a tool to force exits and trim wage bills. By isolating the players, he makes it clear that there is no way back, leaving their agents scrambling to arrange transfers. Whether Milan can find buyers in the final days of the window remains uncertain, but the club appears resolute.

For now, supporters will be eager to see who makes the matchday squad against Venezia. Leao’s absence will be felt, but Amorim has shown that no player is bigger than the team. The upcoming days will be crucial in determining the final composition of the squad, and Amorim has promised full transparency once the market closes.

In conclusion, Amorim’s statements represent a defining moment in his early tenure at AC Milan. By publicly sidelining Leao and excluding Fofana, Gimenez, and Tomori, he has sent a powerful message about his expectations and the need for full commitment. The next few days will reveal whether these players depart, but one thing is certain: Amorim is not afraid to make unpopular decisions for the greater good of the club. As he prepares to lead Milan into their San Siro debut, the focus is firmly on the pitch, but the shadow of the transfer market looms large.